Robert Menéndez, who joined the fraternity in 1985, began his political career in Union City , NJ , as mayor and state legislator before going to Congress. Brother Menéndez served in New Jersey ‘s 13th Congressional District, a post he held for more than 10 years. He served, as the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, was the 3rd-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House, and the highest ranking Latino in Congressional history. Menéndez served in Congress from January 3, 1993, to January 17, 2006, when he resigned to become a U.S. Senator; appointed to the United States Senate to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Jon S. Corzine, and took the oath of office on January 18, 2006. Since his Union City days, Menéndez has enjoyed the enthusiastic support Lambda Theta Phi brothers and, as he noted during the Fraternity’s 2005 National Awards Banquet, remains committed to supporting the Fraternity and its mission.
Although Lambda Theta Phi is a nonpartisan organization, it has a rich history of political activism and encourages its brothers to participate in the political process to the fullest. The members of Lambda Theta Phi wish Brother Robert Menéndez much success in the Senate.